Hobie Kayak... advice?

First Hobie, want to make the right choice...

A welcome step up from my Ocean 15’.

I’m sure this has been covered somewhere... but, I’m still going to ask for a little help. Planning on visiting a local outfitters today to check out a “brand new” 2018 Outback Camo — will be using it in/around Monterey Bay. The guy from the store said he could give me 25% off... of what price, still remains to be seen. I guess the question is: Is it true Hobie is back-ordered? I’m seeing it online:  2020s,  2019s.  I’d like to work with these guys—saving money would be nice. From everything I keep reading, it’s not necessary to buy a new Hobie? used is fine, that is, or even a model that’s a couple years older?

So much on the internet my head’s spinning.

Looks like people have these sent in the mail all the time? Seeing plenty online... but, again, I’d like to be connected to a local shop.

Of course, now I have this community too! Saw all the yaks in Monterey Bay early Sunday morning driving down to Carmel to check out a possible launch site. Maybe 50 yaks? And boats large and small!

(Will have to use a flag with the camo, I know. And upgrade a few things here and there...)

Appreciate any advice. Or, direct me to a forum topic thread I missed? Read one, so far.

I’m sure someone on here is from Monterey area. That may have an outfitter nearby that they recommend.


I am buying mine (this week) from Headwaters in Redding.  They will deliver to me and I’m 2.5 hours away. I believe they go all the way down to Central California to deliver. 
Also headwaters will demo by appointment. Give them a call if it’s not too far for you. (530) 223-2411

Good Luck and let keep us posted. 

Definitely get one new enough to have the dry seat. Buying a Hobie is a little bit like buying a Toyota truck in that they depreciate so slowly you have to consider buying a new one and taking the depreciation hit yourself IMO. The utility and efficiency of the outback is fantastic it’s a very different experience than the ocean kayak. Less graceful but the mirage drive more than makes up for it. A like new demo or boat show display model from a reputable dealer might be your best bet. The 2019 really is a redesign so if you want those features like I did don’t get one older than that. The fact the guy says it’s new and 25% off is a bit of a red flag for me. I had typed out a longer response before my iPad battery died I hope this is helpful
- Amos

Back in mid January 2020, I was checking out 2019 Hobies.  My local dealer was offering 20% off their 2019 inventory.  Discounts should be common on older models.  I don't think there's not much difference between a 2019 and 2020 Outback.
Treat yourself if you have the budget.

I would recommend looking for a good used demo model somewhere in the 2000 range.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

Also start budgeting for your rigging, Fish finder, battery, clothing, rod holders etc.  Usually comes close to your new yaks price.

Thanks everyone... ya, that’s the big question... the design jump from 2018 to 2019 is big enough I’m thinking I’ll regret not going 2019-20.

But, I think the 180 Mirage Drive is the same? Weight of kayak, same?(Leaky hatch, same? Anyone want to comment on that? Is it a problem with these Outbacks on the ocean?)

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong spot—am in a hurry, meet the guy in a couple hours.

Maybe if the price is right... and they’ll help me install fish finder+battery. I can add my on tracks for rod holder, flag, etc.

Thanks... think I’m deciding now NOT to buy today. But at least take a serious look. Keep searching online. And listening to good advice here. (Amos: Post that got cut off... thank you for taking time! Info still helpful.) I like that info about one outfitter delivering 2.5 hours away!

“Red flag,” definitely going to bring that with me to the walk through.

But the “treat yourself” input rings loud and clear: Thanks Fish Addict. Thanks, NCKA!!!

-Mr. C

The 2019 has quite a few design/feature changes over the 2018.  The 2020 added the kick up fins.  I would consider the type and location of fishing you will be doing, and if those changes are important to you in your decision.   I own a 2020 outback, but fish primarily in the delta and local lakes.  I like the stability (wider, ability to stand), dual steering, and reverse features of it.  I haven't noticed any leakage in my kayak when I take on water over the bow.

Gook luck with your decision. 

Welcome aboard Mr. C 

Hobie 2020 bought... now looking for a good fish finder. The Humminbird Helix is probably way more than I needed... but that’s what Ive got Currently on my Ocean Trident. Am now looking at the Lowrance Hook2 5... even that seems like a lot more than I need. $399? Steep. Advice? Going to move this thread to another topic! (Outfitting a Hobie, etc.) Thanks everyone for advice... went Headwaters out of Redding, shipping to Lodi store for free where I can pick it up after fish finder install.

Great info!

Good decision.  I put a Lowrance Elite Ti2 7" on mine and am very happy with it.  Couple reasons, wanted side scanning for delta fishing, Hobie retractable transducer mount is made for Lowrance product, and my boat has a Lowrance touch screen, so I didn't have to learn how to use a new unit.  I have heard good things about the Helix products.

I mounted the fish finder myself.  There are a bunch of how to videos on Youtube, and it makes it easy and fun.  If you search the forums, I did a battery recommendation post and received some great advice on selecting a battery.

Good luck making the right decision.  My advice is something that is easy to transport and store.  Spend as much as you can to get the most for your boat.  I'm not sure what deals are out there during this temporary crisis.  Shop around.

Definitely get one new enough to have the dry seat. ...

I know that Mr. C got his Hobie, but just in case anybody else is reading this, here's my $0.02. While I agree with a lot of what SuperVato says, I don't agree that the lawn chair seat is a must. I've got a 2013 Adventure (almost the same as the Revo 16) and a 2014 AI. I got a very good deal on the AI in 2015, because someone just had to upgrade to the new style seat. Now, 5 years later, you can find some great bargains on pre-2015 models. I've modified the older style seat (a cheap mod, just involving PVC tubing) and it suits me fine. It's at least worth checking out older models, especially if you're on a budget--they are fantastic kayaks, and you can save a lot of cash.

Hobie 2020 bought... now looking for a good fish finder. The Humminbird Helix is probably way more than I needed... but that’s what Ive got Currently on my Ocean Trident. Am now looking at the Lowrance Hook2 5... even that seems like a lot more than I need. $399? Steep. Advice? Going to move this thread to another topic! (Outfitting a Hobie, etc.) Thanks everyone for advice... went Headwaters out of Redding, shipping to Lodi store for free where I can pick it up after fish finder install.

I really really really love my raymarine element 7 on my 2019 outback. So much that I got rid of a hook2 tripleshot that was originally on the kayak.

Also install of a FF on a new hobie is a breeze. I would highly suggest just doing it yourself and saving a few bucks.